1995-W Proof Silver Eagle
1995-W Proof American Silver Eagle
The 1995-W Proof Silver Eagle is the key date coin of the series. The coin has a mintage of only 30,125 pieces, which is extraordinarily low for such a popular and widely collected modern series.
The coin was produced and sold only as part of the 10th Anniversary American Eagle Five Coin Set. This set included the four 1995-W Proof Gold Eagle coins in 1 oz, 1/2 oz, 1/4 oz, and 1/10 oz sizes, along with the 1995-W Proof Silver Eagle. This set was limited to 45,000 units and originally sold for $999.00 per set. A total of 30,125 sets were sold.
The US Mint did produce and sell a separate 1995 Proof Silver Eagle which was offered for $23.00, but this coin carried the "P" mint mark. This regular issue coin had a mintage of 407,822, which was typical for the coin at the time.
When the dust settled, the 1995-W Proof Silver Eagle emerged as a fortuitous rarity for anyone who purchased the expensive set. The key date Silver Eagle sells for about $3,000 currently. This is actually more than the current cost for the other four gold coins originally included in the set. Coins graded PCGS PR70DCAM or NGC PF 70 Ultra Cameo sometimes sell for over $10,000 each.
